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Mary Gladstone-Highland, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can share powerful stories of impact while still honoring the dignity of the communities they serve. We explore the fine line between compelling storytelling and unintentionally exploiting beneficiaries for emotional appeal, and how “clickbait-style” narratives can do more harm than good.
Mary shares how nonprofits can shift their messaging to be both effective and ethical—ensuring stories empower rather than disempower—while still driving engagement and funding for their mission.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Mary Gladstone-Highland is the CEO of Spark Group Consulting, where she helps nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity, integrity, and impact.
She specializes in ethical storytelling, guiding organizations to move beyond deficit-based narratives and instead highlight the strength and dignity of the communities they serve. Through her work, Mary supports nonprofits in aligning their messaging with their values while still achieving strong fundraising and engagement results.
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
Website: https://www.sparkgroupconsulting.com
OTHER RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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Thanks for listening!
Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.